Author Archives: Roger Moore

You don’t have to look hard to see the criticisms of “The Way Things Work in China” tucked into the somber, slow-burn thriller “Back to the Wharf.” It’s in the sealed fate of the protagonists, the way “some pigs are … Continue reading →

“Dog Gone” is a maudlin, sappy (inspired by a) “true story” about a boy and his missing dog. It’s a Netflix tearjerker of the “Marley & Me/A Dog’s Purpose” school, packed with cliches and served up with a heaping helping … Continue reading →

A Feb 10 theatrical release, Apple TV the next week heist and dysfunctional family thriller which also stars Brianna Middleton and Justice Smith. It’s from A24, which suggests “thought provoking” and a certain quality, but limited box office appeal which … Continue reading →

“Saint Omer” is a dry, patience-testing parable about cultures clashing, cultural disconnection, motherhood and the eating fear of infanticide many mothers harbor — “The Medea Complex.” That, by the way, would have been a much more informative, dramatic and poetic … Continue reading →

I had to return to Daniel Day Lewis‘ Oscar acceptance speech from the spring of 1990 — God Bless Youtube — to make sure I was remembering it right, that he saluted the Academy for “providing me with the makings … Continue reading →

The grey-haired woman whose daughter disappeared is as startled to run into the third prosecutor/investigator assigned to her daughter’s case while out hunting for her child herself. What’s he doing here? “Fixing other people’s mistakes,” he buck-passes. And her? “Doing … Continue reading →

What the Screen Actors Guild Award nominations are to the Acting Oscars, a good indicator of what the Oscar nomination field will look like, the Producers Guild Awards are to Best Picture, Best Documentary and Best Animated Film. Looks like … Continue reading →

Dave Franco directed, and he and Brie co-wrote this oddball rom-dramedy. Coming soon, Feb. 10. Looks cute.

Here’s a slice of vampire-vamping Spanish Manchego that may be a little late to the whole “Vampire movies are silly” parade. But give the cast and crew of “Hollyblood” props for taking their best shots, which land almost often enough … Continue reading →

A Feb 10 Netflix Valentine’s Day rom-com about “old friends” swapping coasts and apartments and maybe finding love…with someone. Each other? Taking bets on that. Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher and a rom-com about finding love in your…40s?